Samuel Adams creator Jim Koch reclaims CEO role at Boston Beer Co.
Updated: 10:53 AM EDT Aug 4, 2025
Editorial Standards
Jim Koch is returning to the position of president and CEO at the company he founded in 1984, when he began brewing Samuel Adams. The Boston Beer Co. announced Friday that Koch, who led the company from 1984 to 2001, will return to the job on Aug. 16. Outgoing CEO Michael Spillane will step down the day before, moving into an advisory role through March 31, 2026, the announcement said. Spillane was promoted to the job in February 2024, following the retirement of former CEO Dave Burwick. In a statement, Spillane said he was stepping down to focus on “important personal matters.” “Since joining Boston Beer, I’ve seen the company revolutionize the craft beer and flavored malt beverage categories. It’s an amazing company with a great future and I look forward to contributing to its success from my seat on the board. I’d like to thank Jim, the board, the executive team, and all of Boston Beer’s coworkers for their friendship and support,” he said.Video below: Jim Koch promoting Samuel Adams in 1985″He’s given us a steady leadership hand during a dynamic time for our industry, and under his guidance, we delivered one of our most profitable quarters in many years in the second quarter,” Koch said. “I appreciate everything Michael has done for us, and we’re thrilled he’s going to continue to help shape our strategy as a member of our board of directors. I am confident in the strength of our management team and Boston Beer’s strategic direction and remain committed to delivering long-term worth for shareholders.”Boston Beer is the parent company of Samuel Adams, Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Dogfish Head, Sun Cruiser, Truly Hard Seltzer and Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea.
Jim Koch is returning to the position of president and CEO at the company he founded in 1984, when he began brewing Samuel Adams.
The Boston Beer Co. announced Friday that Koch, who led the company from 1984 to 2001, will return to the job on Aug. 16.
Outgoing CEO Michael Spillane will step down the day before, moving into an advisory role through March 31, 2026, the announcement said. Spillane was promoted to the job in February 2024, following the retirement of former CEO Dave Burwick.
In a statement, Spillane said he was stepping down to focus on “important personal matters.”
“Since joining Boston Beer, I’ve seen the company revolutionize the craft beer and flavored malt beverage categories. It’s an amazing company with a great future and I look forward to contributing to its success from my seat on the board. I’d like to thank Jim, the board, the executive team, and all of Boston Beer’s coworkers for their friendship and support,” he said.
Video below: Jim Koch promoting Samuel Adams in 1985
“He’s given us a steady leadership hand during a dynamic time for our industry, and under his guidance, we delivered one of our most profitable quarters in many years in the second quarter,” Koch said. “I appreciate everything Michael has done for us, and we’re thrilled he’s going to continue to help shape our strategy as a member of our board of directors. I am confident in the strength of our management team and Boston Beer’s strategic direction and remain committed to delivering long-term worth for shareholders.”
Boston Beer is the parent company of Samuel Adams, Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Dogfish Head, Sun Cruiser, Truly Hard Seltzer and Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea.
About the Author
